6 reasons to visit Langtang for your next trek

Nepal is home to the Himalayans, the tallest peaks in the world, and some of the most beautiful mountain civilizations. Langtang Valley is one such mountain settlement, located in very close proximity of the capital of the nation, Kathmandu. Unfortunately, the valley was swiped out during the 2015 earthquake. Villages were destroyed, lives were lost, but the hope wasn’t lost. Due to quick restoration and rehabilitation process, it is once again ready to host you and offer you exceptional Himalayan trekking experience. Here, we have listed 6 down reasons to visit Langtang for your next trek.

Easy Accessibility

Langtang Valley is located in the north-central region of Nepal. It may be hard to believe, but the region is located only 30 kilometers away from the bustling capital. It can be reached within five hours by a public bus, or in half that time by a private car. Although, if you like, you can start your walk all the way through the outskirts of Kathmandu, hike through Helambu to reach holy lake of Gosainkunda, before finally dropping down to reach the valley. From there, you can travel to SyabruBesi by foot or on wheels, which is located at the bottom of the valley. From here, you can trek mildly for three days to reach the ancient Kyanjin Gompa or Langtang at the head of the valley without crossing any difficult pass.

It is a community in need

Langtang doesn’t need volunteers or Peace Corps members. It needs travelers, trekkers, and climbers who will come and spend some money. Following the 2015 tragedy, the region is now fully prepared to host guests. However, due to lack of information, a lot of trekkers haven’t realized it yet. They are still under the expression that most trails and lodges are still under reconstruction, but the truth is that they are now open all along. The locals are desperately waiting for the tourism they’ve built their livelihoods on, and they need you to go there now more than ever.

Lesser tourist footprint

The Everest and Annapurna regions receive thousands of trekkers every season. However, despite being in close proximity with Kathmandu, Langtang receives significantly lesser number of tourists. Maybe, that’s why, it is known as Nepal’s best-kept secret. To add more to the woes of trek businesses in the region, since the last quake, the region has seen a dramatic drop in tourism. But, on the brighter side, if you trek here, you will be saved from the crowded trails, flocks of trekkers heading towards the same destination, and jam-packed viewpoints. Sometimes, you could be the only customer a diner will receive all day, and you will be greatly appreciated and thanked for that.

It is downright beautiful

Actually, beautiful would be an understatement when describing the beauty of this region. Although it doesn’t boast of tall 8,000m peaks and high passes, it is home to some 70 glaciers and several lakes. During the trek, you will get to see some massive glaciers from very close distance and take dips in lakes like Gosainkunda, Bhairavkunda, and DudhKunda. Moreover, during the entire length of the journey, spellbinding mountains like the Langtang Lirung (7,246m), Lenpo Gang (7083m), Dorje Lakpa (6990m), and Gang Chhenpo (6,388m) and the majestic Ganesh Himal will keep you company.

Langtang National Park

Spread over 660 square miles, Langtang National Park is the first Himalayan national park. The national park boasts of 14 vegetation types in 18 ecosystem types, traversing from upper tropical forests below 1,000 meters to alpine scrub and perennial ice. On top of that, you can have sightings of different kind of wild animals like huge falcons, colorful lizards, ghoral, mountain bear, snow leopard and etc. Thus, the trekking in Langtang will almost feel like a jungle safari at points because of the lush vegetation and all the wildlife it houses!

The people and their culture

Due to the drop in number of trekkers since earthquake, the people here are more welcoming than ever. It doesn’t mean they weren’t friendly and warm before! Unlike in crowded teahouses of Everest and Annapurna region, the hoteliers here will be sincerely grateful if you stay in their guest houses as they receive very few guests every season. You will be treated with the famed Nepalese hospitality, cuisine, and warmth, which may have been somewhat lost in some touristy places. Another highlight is that you will get to experience and witness the rich and unique culture of the native inhabitants of the region, the Tamangs. Their culture is still unaffected by the modernity and very well preserved due to isolation and remoteness. Thus, it will be a great cultural revelation for sure!